Ulnar shortening osteotomy for the management of ulnar impaction syndrome

Twenty-two patients with symptomatic ulnar impaction syndrome associated with ulnar positive variance were treated by ulnar shortening osteotomy. The mean follow-up period was 62 months. Pre-operatively, all patients complained of pain, restricted wrist and forearm motion, and weakness of handgrip. Osteotomies soundly healed in all patients. Postoperatively, thirteen wrists were graded excellent, seven good, and four fair, using Chun et al's modification of Garteland and Werely scoring system. Two patients with persistent postoperative pain had additional procedures performed. Ulnar shortening was a useful procedure for the treatment of ulnar impaction syndrome associated with ulnar positive variance